I was reading Charles post. Below are my thoughts today:
Barriers are important in the early days.
On one hand:
There were many times in the past when I was feeling bored, anxious and restless to do something. It was the exclusion ban that stops me from entering the gambling premises at the casino, and clubhouses to gamble baccarat and slot machines when I had the time and excess money.
When I was attending recovery support group meetings, Christian fellowship meetings, exercise and writing journal regularly, giving priority to sleep and work, it kept my time occupied which otherwise would be spend on gambling when I had the money and access to gambling premises.
When I put interest before self, principle before personality and made myself accountable and committed, it leaves me with lesser money after everyone and everything was paid every month.
Without the accountability and commitment, there was a tendency for me to use the money first. How many times have I lost all my salary to gambling every month and not do the responsible thing to support my family and service my debt every month.
On the other hand:
When “I” want to gamble, no one can stop “me”.
How many times have “I” find my way into gambling premises.
How many times have “I” skipped work and meetings to make time for gambling.
How many times have “I” steal and borrow to get hold of money to gamble.
Using support is important – if I could do it on my own then I wouldn’t have a problem in the first place.
I am gamble free today.